A huge number of films have been made in Vancouver over the years, including I-Robot, The Twighlight Saga and The Butterfly Effect. But for some reason, not very many have ever been SET in Vancouver. There have been a few films which have been set in Vancouver, including Airbud, The Sixth Day, and part of The Fantastic Four, but in our opinion there haven’t been nearly enough.
So in order to do our bit to help put Vancouver on the map, we have come up with this list of the top 5 filming locations to use in your next video production project or film project… in Vancouver!
5. Lions Gate Bridge – A beautiful suspension bridge built in 1939, the Lions Gate Bridge really captures the atmosphere and the spirit of Vancouver with it’s high and majestic expanse, which links the city to the green hills beyond. If you want your audience to know that you are in Vancouver, you’re going to need a shot of this.
4. Hotel Vancouver – With it’s instantly recognisable pointed blue roof, the Hotel Vancouver is a classic 1930′s piece of design, and an excellent location for feature in a film or video production. It’s both blocky and imposing and intricately detailed all at the same time, making it a very interesting location to shoot.
3. Harbour Centre – An impressive structure on its own, and with some great views over the city, this filming location could be used in a number of ways. It could be used to film some shots looking out over the city, providing some nice high viewpoints wich are a nice alternative to low aerial shots, or it could also be used in a scene by itself. The large circular top of the Harbour centre is a very recognisable Vancouver landmark, and it has a wonderfully futuristic look.
2. Downtown Vancouver Waterfront – Sleek and modern, and utterly stunning with the mountains looming in the distance beyond. It’s easy to picture a high octane action movie being set in Downtown VA, with its glassy buildings and elegant waterfront. It also has a really unique feel all of its own, maybe it’s something to do with the lighting created by the high latitude of Vancouver, Either way, the Downtown waterfront area of Vancouver comes in at number 2 on our list.
1. Gastown – If you’re going to set a film production or video production in Vancouver, you’re going to want your audience to know that they are looking at Vancouver. The best way of saying Vancouver to the world is with Gastown, and it’s steam powered clock. This location has a lot of old world charm, whilst still sharing in the modern and airy atmosphere of the rest of the city. It’s possibly the best mix of old and new anywhere in the city, and it offers a great feel to catch on film.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our little guide to Vancouver. We are by now means local experts, but we’d love to do some filming there. If you have any other suggestions for great places to film in Vancouver, or feel that we’ve missed anything out, get in touch via Facebook or Twitter, and we’d be happy to receive your comments.
Nostairway
